Tag: brunch

Anyone driving through downtown Richmond can’t help but notice the rampant renovation of our parks, roads, buildings, bus stops that makes it difficult to frequent many of our favorite businesses. Let me say that LuLu’s on 17th Street is worth the effort. Eventually, the 17th Street Farmer’s Market will emerge as a beautiful park like oasis nestled between charming restaurants, cafes, diners and small businesses, flanked by the historic Main Street train station. But for now, it looks like your teenager’s bedroom.

That said, my husband and I searched open table for a nearby brunch spot that would take reservations. We love Millie’s, but they don’t take reservations for weekend brunch. We didn’t want to get up early to be at the head of the line, or wait an hour in the rain. As many times as I have walked past or down 17th street, I have not noticed LuLu’s. This was our first foray into this little cozy neighborhood hideaway. Our waitress described it as Millie’s little sister. It opened not long after Millie’s and welcomed big sister’s overflow. Not surprising, since both serve hearty fare with elegance and imagination. However, Little Sister takes reservations which is a beautiful thing for those of us who like to plan ahead and avoid a long wait. I love how LuLu’s incorporates artwork of the Main Street train station and mirrors the industrial feel of the train station and old neighborhood warehouses in Shockoe Bottoms. lulusrichmond.com

Enough about landscape. Let’s talk food. This time we chose the Pomegranate Mule, good strong coffee, green tea, Shockoe Florentine, Huevos Rancheros, and the Red Velvet Shortcake…all full of flavor and flare.

The Mule was the perfect brunch cocktail: tasty, but not too boozy. The Shockoe Florentine offered a perfectly poached egg:tender white and the yolk, when broken cascaded it’s lovely yellow goodness over the potatoes, English muffin laden with Serrano ham, and spinach, mixing with the creamy pimento cheese sauce. So delicious!

My husband enjoyed his Huevos Rancheros and strong black coffee. I could not resist the Red Velvet waffle shortcake. I am glad I gave into temptation. The waffle was fluffy and tender, yet able to hold up to the rich cream cheese filling and strawberries, sauce and whipped cream topping without becoming soggy.

We will definitely return to try more of the brunch offerings and give dinner a try as well.

Wow! It’s been a while since my last blog. Transitions are exciting, energizing and exhuasting all at once. Our eldest daughter moved Minneapolis for her first official post graduate professional job, and naturally, we helped her make the move. Our youngest daughter is now a high school senior…pictures, college applications, “lasts” in choir, field hockey, school dances, homecomings… you get the picture. Not much time for new dining experiences.

However, a good breakfast is a great way to begin a school day, so my youngest daughter introduced me to one of her favorite breakfast haunts: Pit and Peel on Cary St. I can see why she loves meeting her friends there for a pre-school breakfast. The Acai bowl is her personal favorite, but I am an eggs for breakfast person myself, so I chose the Popeye breakfast sandwich. Both are beautiful and delicious!

I often pass by The Fancy Biscuit/ Shyndigz on my way home down Cary Street, yearning to stop and give it a try. Last Wednesday, I convinced my mom to break out of her Panera Bread box and join me for brunch. The decor is clever and inviting, using all manner of repurposed objects like rolling pins, shutters and pennies. The menu is imaginative and fun. I enjoyed the Freshy Fresh Biscuit: collard greens, stewed grape tomatoes, cheddar cheese and a poached egg. My mom chose the Mediterranean Quiche with Arugula salad and fresh fruit. Both were flavorful and filling. We were too full to indulge in a Shyndigz dessert, but we did admire the mile high cakes through the glass cases. Maybe next time.

Brunch at The Daily in Carytown is dilly of a deal. My daughter and I had a tight schedule on Sunday afternoon, so we opted to eat at the full service bar at The Daily. It was a great choice. The service was attentive, the food delicious, and the price was right. We were able to eat without feeling rushed, but still meet the demands of the day’s schedule. I enjoyed the lump crab omelette with potatoes and a cup of tea; my daughter enjoyed her breakfast croissant sandwich with potatoes and a lemonade.

As you can see, there are many affordable, delicious options all offered in a sleek, peaceful dining atmosphere.